The stampede outside an audition for Tyra Banks’ reality TV show, “America’s Next Top Model,” could have been avoided had producers – facing bombardment by thousands of supermodel wannabes – simply requested police assistance, sources said yesterday.

No one called the cops Saturday until after a smoking car had panicked the 10,000 hopefuls outside the Park Central Hotel on West 55th Street, sources said. Six women were injured in the ensuing run for safety.

Banks said, “We appreciate the efforts of the NYPD and will assist them in any way possible.”

Mayor Bloomberg urged future event organizers to advise the NYPD of their plans before things get out of control.

“You’ve just got to, in advance, arrange for security,” the mayor said.